Where the blessings come out!

This is the 10th meeting of the messengers of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. From the very beginning the SBTC’s annual meetings have been a little different from similar denominational gatherings. While business reports and officers’ elections are on the program of many deliberative bodies, we have a heavy emphasis on worship and fellowship. Each year the desire is to inform, inspire and minister to those present. Here’s what is happening this year.

On Monday night there will a special one-time staff video/testimony time. Hopefully, you will be moved as you see what God has been doing in and through Texas Southern Baptists. We can praise God together for his marvelous grace. President Steve Swofford concludes the evening with a challenging message. Pastor Michael Lewis of Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin will bring the Convention sermon Tuesday morning. Thom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay, will bring the concluding message on Tuesday night. As a prolific author and insightful researcher, Dr. Rainer will encourage us to do our best for the Lord Jesus. Each session will feature a Bible study and prayer time.

Powerful music will lift us to God’s presence each day. Great choirs, praise team bands and gifted soloists will minister to us. Varying styles of music will reflect a diversity of tastes. Speaking of diversity, a wide range of ethnicity is evident on the program. Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Anglo, even cowboys will sing, pray or preach. The SBTC looks a little like Heaven when all God’s children take a part.

Other activities will surround the annual meeting. The SBTC Bible Conference starts on Sunday night hosted by the historic congregation of the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth located on north I-820 Loop. Monday the Conference meets at the Arlington Convention Center. An incredible line-up of preachers such as Earnest Easley, Joe Lightner, Franklin Calloway, Ted Traylor, Gregg Matte and Fred Lowery will bring God’s Word. Dennis Baw and Tommy Oglesby will bring theme interpretations.

The President’s Luncheon features funny man Dennis Swanberg at Tuesday’s lunch. There will be a Ladies’ Luncheon on Monday with Lisa Whelchel sharing a timely word. Other “eat’n meet’ns” will take place in the Baptist tradition.

Of course there will be some business. Every messenger will be given an opportunity to introduce new items. Resolutions will be considered. Officers will be voted on. Thankfully, we have been blessed with a sweet spirit throughout our discussions.

This is a great time for you to attend an SBTC annual meeting. Bring a group from your church. This is our family gathering when we can invite our friends to come along too. We ask that all messengers and guests register. Information about accommodations, times, and other details are available at our website, sbtexas.com. Or you can call us toll free at 1-877-953-7282. As my old camp meeting preacher friend used to say, “Come get under the spout where the blessings come out!” See you in Arlington.